The medial collateral and lateral collateral ligaments are fibrous collagen tissue that run on the inside and outside of the knee respectively, to prevent the knee bending medially or laterally. They help to provide much of the static stability for the knee joint in these directions.  Injuries often occur during contact sports, but can also happen during daily activities.  Twisting on a planted foot, falling, or catching your toe with the leg at an angle can all cause undue stress to these structures. If the tissue is overstretched it can cause microscopic tears (grade I sprain), partial tears (grade II sprain), or complete tears (grade III sprain). Unless it is a complete tear of the ligament, these injuries often respond well to physical therapy. There may be a time of immobilization to allow the tissue to heal, but after this period our physical therapist will guide you through the recovery process to insure your knee is stable and healthy.

Associated Symptoms:

• Medial or Lateral knee pain
• Knee Swelling
• Knee Instability
• Knee Stiffness
• Knee pain with walking
• Knee pain with quick/sharp turns.